Chapter 41: The times for community meals
The principle is that the superior should manage everything so prudently that the saving work of grace may be accomplished in the community and whatever duties the community undertakes they may be carried out without any excuse for murmuring.
(From paragraph 1 of Chapter 41 of Saint Benedict's Rule.)
(From paragraph 1 of Chapter 41 of Saint Benedict's Rule.)
What would my day be like today, if I managed everything so as to be totally open to the saving work of grace?
When we eat should be as intentional as what we eat.
ReplyDeleteAnother translation reads, "he should so regulate and arrange all matters that souls may be saved and the brothers may go about their activities without justifiable grumbling." Time runs like a thread throughout this chapter. This is the beauty, wisdom and simplicity of Benedict. Take care of the physical surroundings, the body house, with proper attention, proper care and respect, and kindness and pay attention to the times of the year, as well as the times of the day. "Justifiable" grumbling and complaining come about when someone or something is not taken care of even to the smallest detail such as enough light by which to eat dinner in this chapter. How easy it is to become lazy, to let go of preparations ahead of time, or not put something away in its proper place because of procrastination. Then when it is time to start something or something is needed, irritation sets in because the proper tool cannot be found and there is a rushing around to begin a task and the wasting of useless energy. Giving attention to time and times of the day are an important consideration for Benedict which can bring peace to the body as well as the soul.
ReplyDelete